The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

29) Your's Truly - Lady W

Annabelle's POV -

After spending the day tangled in Colin's arms. We decided to join the rest of the Bridgerton's for dinner. We had discussed earlier letting the entire family know of our news.

This way we would be able to see everyone's expressions. This baby would be so lucky to have such a big family around him or her. Growing up with just my father could be so lonely at times. I don't want my child to feel that way. I want them to feel loved, but love beyond words.

I glanced around the table, Hyacinth and Gregory bickering amongst each other whilst sat Colin next to Benedict and the Viscount, making short conversations about the boxing season. Colin noticed my gaze and placed his hand over mine rubbing my soft knuckle. He brings me comfort. I smiled sweetly, hopefully allowing him enough time to take my hint.

A wave of realisation sprung across his brow and he stood from his seat. He lifted the crystal glass from the table with his left hand and the pristine silverware in his right, tapping the glass ever so slightly.

Clearing his throat he begun to spread our news.

"I would like to raise a glass to my wife. As it is with my upmost pleasure to announce that Annabelle is with child. Not only are we expecting but we shall also be making a change in our living arrangements. We are currently looking for property amongst Mayfair." Colin grinned.

I immediately looked over to Violet to see her expression. I had never seen such a smile. As though she would burst at any given moment.

"Oh my children." Lady Bridgerton sprung from her seat and embraced me in the warmest hug I had ever known.

"Not only am I ecstatic for you both but I am to be a grandmother again. Oh we must start preparing immediately. How long have you known? Oh Daphne will be so pleased. Please please tell me everything. Oh Colin your Father would be so proud of you." And it was that last sentence which meant the most to not only me but my husband too.

The hour after dinner was spent in front of the fire place in the drawing room. A blanket over my knee as I sat with my feet up on the poof. Talking all things babies and pregnancy symptoms with Violet. Colin decided to have a drink with his brothers in the Viscounts's study.

"So tell me dear, how are you really feeling? It's not just the symptoms I want to hear about. How are you really feeling on the inside?" I was taken back by Violets sudden curiosity.

"I. Well if I am to be completely honest. I'm already exhausted, I feel so peculiar all the time. Im just a bit overwhelmed. Excited above all but the risks of child birth out weigh all my joy. Colin has been so sweet and been nothing less than reassuring, but I still find myself some what frightened." I told violet the truth. Instantly regretting what I had said, I continued to dig myself further into a grave.
"I know all will be fine, I'll have Colin by my side of course. I'm not going to die. Sorry, I'm spiralling now. It sure is warm in here, don't you think? Maybe I ought to get some -" Violet interrupted my babling nonsense.

"This worry of yours, this is what makes you human. No one in their sane mind would be calm about child birth. It will be the hardest but must rewarding thing you do. Please, you must remember, you'll have the best doctors we can get and you will have Colin. He won't let anything happen to you." Mud way through Violet's speech she took a seat beside me and embraced me in a hug.

We ended the evening and bid our good nights. I walked down the hall past the Viscounts study, hearing nothing but laughter. I decided to leave Colin to enjoy himself as I take myself off to bed. I walked up the dual staircase admiring the family portraits along the wall.

Stumbling across a painting of Colin, his brothers and his Father. Thinking about what Violet said about being proud of him. A smile across my face I continued on up to bed.

It felt lonely without Colin next to me but I was exhausted and he was having fun. Lord knows he needs it after everything we've been through the past few weeks.

Little did I know that as I drift off to sleep, Lady Whistledown is hard at work.

Dearest readers,

The ton are once again complete as it appears the Duke and Duchess of York have arrived amongst the Bridgerton house hold.

And so it is my honour to impart to you: The Duchess is with child. For it was my eager eye and inside intelligence that has made this rumour alight. As this rumour speaks nothing but the truth. Of course.

Oh dear Duchess are we sure that this baby is a Bridgerton? For some members of the ton appear to be spreading gossip. Oh I do wonder what happened back in York merely a month ago.

Well, readers I am sure it is no shock to you. That I once again provide the scandal of the year. Please don't threat. I always get to the bottom of the rut amongst our ton.

Yours truly,

Lady Whistledown.